Springbank 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Springbank 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistillerySpringbankLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.7%56.5%
Age20 yr12 yr
Price£189.95£250
Rating5.00/5

Springbank 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Springbank 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Springbank 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £190 vs £250.

For beginners: Springbank 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Springbank 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£189.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £189.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Only Springbank 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

LeatheryOld WoodTobaccoNuttyDried Fruit

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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